Recommendations for foundation/pile design/analysis software 1

[ckpa]

Hello,

Our mechanical consulting firm (oil & gas process equipment analysis) has been looking into and researching soil mechanics and foundation design. We would like to get into foundation design for rotating machinery. We do FEA, vibration and pulsation analysis (API 618 studies), rotor dynamics, pipe stress etc. My question is, what software would you all recommend looking into for one-off, ground-up style foundation/pile design and analysis software. We currently use Nastran for FEA analysis, plus a suite of other subject specific software. Any tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[DRC1]

There is no single program.

For lateral capacity, especially with cyclic loading, "L-Pile" is probably your best bet. However, to understand the program requires a good background in soils mechanics.

For Vertical capacity, the choice depends on your philosophy toward pile capacity, how you intend to collect data, and how you like to treat soil strucure interaction. Ensoft, Civiltech, and FHWA all have programs based on traditional (but different) methods. There are also FE programs out there. I use Unipile by Unisoft (

http://www.unisoftltd.com)

It is based on the Canadian method of design which incorperates capacity and settlement into one program.

Otherwise you may need settlement software also, for which there area many choices.

To determine if a particular driving system is capable of devloping the required capcity, you will need software. GRL WEAP is the leader in this area.

To confirm performance, dynamic monitering of the driving can be performed. Again GRL is the leader with CAPWAP. This requires training and experience, however there are many consultants who can do this as a stand alone activity.

Pile design is somewhat different from solid modeling. You can't just pop some programs into a program and get results. (actually you can which can lead to scary results, but thats a topic for another thread)It really does require an understanding of how piles work and how the installation process affects the performace

 

[oneintheeye]

hire someone who knows what they are doing. Sorry. You need a structural engineer, analysis, geotechnical appreciation, construction appreciation. Requires more elements that throwing some numbers into a program.